THR's Women in Entertainment 2012: Power 100

Raven has led one of the most successful brand expansions in TV history. From A+E's beginnings as one network to a behemoth that now boasts 10 domestic channels -- two (A&E and History) consistently rate among cable's top five entertainment networks -- and a suite of international channels that reaches more than 300 million households in 150 countries. "We have a portfolio of brands," says Raven, 59, who has been at A+E for 30 years and has a grown son. "We have 19 of the top 50 shows in cable in scripted and unscripted. We're not a one-note company." And with NBCUniversal selling its 15.8 percent stake in A+E to Disney and Hearst for more than $3 billion in July, the company is now valued at nearly $20 billion, according to SEC filings, with projected 2012 revenue of $3.5 billion.

Moment I knew I wanted to work in the business: I heard there was a channel starting up for women called Daytime, which was the precursor to Lifetime.

When I leave work each day, I can't wait to: Have dinner out with my husband. We eat out a lot!

Favorite way to unwind on the weekend: Brunch downtown, a little shopping, catching a movie or a play with my husband.

My indulgence: Occasional French fries.

Can't get through my workday without: A decaf skim latte. It only has 4 percent caffeine, but if you drink a lot of them, you get a buzz.

Totally starstruck around: This year I met Kevin Costner. And Paul McCartney -- that was a big one.